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Vol. 5 No. 2 (2025): Volume 5, Issue 2, Year 2025

Articles

Prevalence of Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Quantification of Ergonomic Hazards Among Optometrists In Chennai- A Cross Sectional Study

  • Sayantika Das,
  • Rashima Asokan,
  • Janani Suresh,
  • Prescillah Caron,
  • Sunder Subramaniam
Sayantika Das
Department of Ergonomics, Prem Ergo Solutions, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Rashima Asokan
Medical Research Foundation, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Janani Suresh
Medical Research Foundation, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Prescillah Caron
Department of Ergonomics, Prem Ergo Solutions, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Sunder Subramaniam
Department of Ergonomics, Prem Ergo Solutions, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.34256/ijk2527

Published 16-08-2025

Keywords

  • Optometry,
  • Ergonomics,
  • Work-related musculoskeletal disorders,
  • RULA,
  • Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire

How to Cite

Das, S., Asokan, R., Suresh, J., Caron, P., & Subramaniam, S. (2025). Prevalence of Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Quantification of Ergonomic Hazards Among Optometrists In Chennai- A Cross Sectional Study. International Journal of Kinanthropometry, 5(2), 54–59. https://doi.org/10.34256/ijk2527

Copyright (c) 2025 Sayantika Das, Rashima Asokan, Janani Suresh, Prescillah Caron, Sunder Subramaniam

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Dimensions

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Abstract

Introduction: Optometrists have to perform precision-based clinical tasks, which often require prolonged static sitting, sustained awkward postures, and repetitive movements. These frequent biomechanical demands can lead to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Despite high prevalence of WMSDs globally, very limited research is available for Indian optometrists, particularly, among those who are working in tertiary eye care hospital. Thus, this present study aimed to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and to quantify working posture-related ergonomic risks among optometrists in a high-volume tertiary eye care setting. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in July, 2025 at five departments of a tertiary eye care hospital, Chennai. Ergonomic risks were evaluated using direct observation, videography, workstation measurements, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Results: The chronic prevalence of discomfort was neck flexion (>20° for 45 ± 12 min/hour) and prolonged shoulder elevation were common. Over 70% of participants lacked formal ergonomic training and reported fatigue within 2–3 hours of continuous clinical work. Conclusion: This study is an evidence of existing scenario, and study findings will help future researchers to plan intervention strategies.

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